George Wendt Of ‘Cheers’ Emerges From Bypass Surgery Like A Boss

Wendt, best known for portraying Norm on the long-running NBC sitcom Cheers, was hospitalized on Sunday for chest pains. The 64-year-old actor was forced to drop out of a stage production of The Odd Couple for the Northlight Theatre, located in the Chicago suburb of Skokie.

Though the stage dropout may have worried some, reps for the actor said that Wendt was expected to make a full recovery, reports Yahoo.

On Thursday, Wendt underwent successful coronary bypass surgery at a Chicago-area hospital. According to Wendt’s Los Angeles-based manager, Geoff Cheddy, testing had revealed that an artery leading to Wendt’s heart was severely constricted, reports The Chicago Tribune.

As stated above, Wendt emerged from surgery and is still expected to make a full recovery.

“George and his family send heart-felt thanks to all the well-wishers,” Cheddy said in a statement. “And they ask for privacy and consideration as he recovers.” Cheddy would not reveal the name of the hospital that Wendt had been admitted to.

Wendt himself responded to concerned emails on Wednesday, reassuring fans that he was doing well. His reassurance came with the actor’s signature lighthearted banter.

“I did in fact have a piece of Polish sausage lodged in my artery,” Wendt joked. “The doc said it was a coronary kielbosis.”

IQ extends well-wishes for a fast recovery to George Wendt. Are you a fan of George Wendt? Are you a fan of Cheers? Sound off!